Stacking machines

ABSTRACT

A stacking machine which receives individual metal plates from a slitting machine that moves and slits a larger metal plate into the smaller individual plates moving side-by-side and deposited and stacked by the present stacking machine on top of a lift table that lowers from time to time during the stacking operations. Adjustable pneumatically operated stack separators on the stacking machine include stack separator plates operating with pusher bars on the stacking machine which reciprocate, receive and engage the pieces, cushion the shock and cause the pieces to drop into respective stacks. The stacking machines may be mounted on legs that are high enough to permit the insertion and removal of a conventional lift table such as the &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;Globe&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; lift table, a &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;Southward&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; lift table or a &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;Jarke&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; lift table.

United States Patent Brintle'y, Sr. May 16, 1972 l 5 1 STACKING MACHINES 3,l3l,8l9 5/1964 Ducayet, .lr ..2l4/6 11 [72] Inventor: Eugene L. Brintley, Sh, 1042 Lanier Boulevard, NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30306 Primary Examiner-Gerald M. F orlenza Assistant Examiner-Robert J. Spar [22] Filed: July 23, 1970 Attorney-Patrick F. Henry [2]] Appl. No.: 64,053 57 ABSTRACT Related US. Application Data A stacking machine which receives individual metal plates from a slitting machine that moves and'slits a larger metal [63] 5322 1235 of 1966' plate into the smaller individual plates moving side-by-side and deposited and stacked by the present stacking machine on top of a lift table that lowers from time to time during the g ((51. Stacking operations. Adjustable pneumatically opemmd stack i 3271/88 separators on the stacking machine include stack separator plates operating with pusher bars on the stacking machine which reciprocate, receive and engage the pieces, cushion the [56] Referenm Cned shock and cause the pieces to drop into respective stacks. The UNITED STATES PATENTS stacking machines may be mounted on legs that are high enough to permit the insertion and removal of a conventional 2,504,228 4/1950 Sandberg et al ..2l4/6 D X lift table Such as the lift table a "southward" lift 3,297,174 1/1967 Letchworth ..2 14/6 H table or a lif tabla 2,504,228 4/1950 Sandberg et a1. ..2l4/6 D X 3,079,150 2/1963 Lopez ..2 14/6 D X 9 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures J" 50 28 K e /06 //0 /0 4 30 z ''I l 48 l 1 I i f /0o /5 4% l l M 52 4 82 i2 43 6 M 40 O 8 72 79 74 (1 i l L 2 1 25 7* 7c 4/ I j 7z2 /2z 20 r r l /Z6 1 UI 1 \y 7 J/ 2 *7 2 74 s Patent ed May 16, 1972 4 SheetsSheet 1 N N RN nvvz-w 70/2 Eves/v2 L. 820mm 5) Arrows;

Pater lted May 16, 1972 3,662,901

4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented May 16, 1972 r 3,662,901

4 Sheets-Sheet 3 A770 NE) STACKING MACHINES This application is a streamlined continuation of Ser. No. 575,701, filed Aug. 29, 1966, and now abandoned.

Generally described, without restriction on the scope of my invention and defined in the appended claims, it should be understood that the present stacking machine is used in conjunction with a slitting machine or some type of apparatus which feeds individual strips of flat material continuously. Also, the present stacker is used in conjunction with a table which as to details per se does not form a part of the present invention but which provides a table surface which is lowered from time to time during the present stacking operation. The stacking machine itself comprises a quadrilateral frame having ground supports such as a leg at each corner which may have wheels thereon. Transversely across the width of the machine frame at intervals is located an adjustable stack separator comprising a heavy plate mounted vertically on adjustable supports on a machine frame. The separator may be pre-set to whatever width is desired for each stack between two separators. Mounted for limited longitudinal, reciprocating motion on a machine frame is. the pusher bars comprising adjustable vertically disposed strips mounted on a pusher arm extending transversely across the top of the stack separator and the pusher arm is driven by a continuous power means which may be an air cylinder arrangement mounted on each side of the stack or frame and connected to air lines controlled by the same switch which controls the slitting machine so that when the operator steps on the slitting machine switch the stacking bars go into motion. At least one side of the machine frame is substantially open so that the frame may be wheeled over a table preferably one of the automatic power driven lift tables such as a Globe Lift Table or a Southworth Lift Table or one of the tables made by Jarke Corporation. For more automatic operation it is preferred that the lift table be power driven and capable of being lowered automatically in response to a signal fed automatically from a remote control. In the. present machine, the switch is located underthe machine frame adjacent one of the stacks and there is provided a switch contact arm which is contacted according to a pre-selected position of the top of a stack so that each time the stack builds-up to a certain height the switch arm is contacted and it automatically lowers the table.

Sheet material, such as, steel plate, may be slit into different widths simultaneously by moving the plate through an automatic slitting machine such as the Hopkins Rotary Slitter made by the Hopkins Machine Corporation. The individual and separate widths of material cut from the whole plate are being fed continuously and must be received and stacked in same manner which may involve hand stacking requiring several individuals. A stack of such steel strips is quite heavy, as are the individual strips, and must be handled with care. The inability to cope with the stacking problem and the preparation of the stacks for shipping can constitute a bottle neck in a slitting operation and the slitting machine may be capable of more production that is being obtained due to the stacking problem. Also, all these strips or blanks being cut from the single length of steel plate are not the same size and must be stacked in such a manner as to accomodate different sizes. There is a need for a machine of the present sort which operates in conjunction with an automatic slitting machine to receive continuously fed strips of blanks and stack them properly for removal.

The primary object of this invention is to provide a machine for stacking continuously fed strips or blanks into a pile of such strips or blanks and to repeat as desired.

A further object of this invention is to provide a machine for stacking continuously fed strips or blanks on a table surface ready to be prepared for shipping and from a small width to a substantial length such as fourteen (14) feet and accomodating strips or blanks of different widths simultaneously.

Another object of this invention is to provide a stacking machine which is operatedautomatically in response to the control of slitting machine and also automatically operate a lift table.

Another object of this invention is to eliminate the hand- Another advantage of the present stacking machine is that it is capable of being applied to any slitter of any width and 'for feeding right to left or left to right and also front to back and can be built to any desired height.

Other and further objects and advantages of the present stacking machine will be apparent upon reading the following specifications taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present stacking machine shown attached to a conventional slitting machine and having a conventional lift table positioned therewith.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the stacking machine shown in FIG. 1 with two separate stacks of plates thereon for illustration.

FIG. 3 is enlarged elevation view of one corner of the machine showing the automatic drive for the pusher bars.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view taken substantially along lines 4-4 .in FIG. 1 showing an enlarged front elevation view of the pusher arm.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the pusher arm shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one corner of the present stacking machine showing an attachment to the slitting machine.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one corner of the machine showing an enlarged detail of the switch control for the lift ta-' ble.

' FIG. 8 is a side elevation, looking from the left side towards FIG. 7, of the switch control for the stack.

For the purpose of the present invention, it should be understood that strips are being cut across the width of a length of sheet, such as sheet steel, and these strips are being fed continuously side-by-side from whatever means is performing the slitting thereof and separate such strips are being fed continuously in the same direction so that they may be stacked one on top of the other as the strips are delivered and received. Any method of machine may be used to slit the strips used in conjunction with this stacking machine; however, in any event anticipated that probably one of the present day slitting machines which receives a flat section of steel plate and slitted in straight lines to form individual strips, such as sold by l-Iopkins Machine Corporation, would be used. Also, while the present stacking machine could be used to stack the strips side-by-side on the floor or on a fixed surface and then the stacks removed, it can be a faster operation to use a conventional lift table of any sort which initially is raised to its maximum height to receive the first stacks of strips and is lowered intermittently from time to time automatically by the present stacking machine as the stack increases in height. As mentioned previously, many lift tables are available for this purpose and some of these suppliers were mentioned previously.

Referring initially to FIG. 1- and then to the other figures of the drawings as this specification unfolds, the machine is designated generally by reference number 10 and comprises a quadrilateral frame in three dimensions having an upper frame 15 constructed from longitudinal and transverse frame members in the form of longitudinal tubes 14 connected together at the four corners by a pressure coupling block 16. Each of the four corners includes a ground support member 18 which in the present form is a tubular leg secured at the bottom in a junction box 16. Horizontal frame members 20 connect the lower junction boxes 16 forming a bottom quadrilateral frame except for one side of the machine 10 which is left open by omitting the frame number 20 so that an entrance 23 is provided. The bottom of each of the four junction boxes 16 on the lower comer is provided with a caster wheel assembly 22 having a caster wheel 24.

As seen in FIG. 6, the entire machine may be aligned and positioned properly with respect to the means for providing the individual strip which in theinstant enclosure is a slitting machine 28 having slitting knives 30 mounted on a frame 32. A detachable lever arm 34 is pivotedly mounted on pivot 36 on machine 28 and having notches 38 therein which fits over one of the frame members 14 on each end thereof thereby securing the machine 10 to the slitting machine 28 in the proper position. Separators 40 are movably supported on the upper frame on the transverse members and separators 40 comprise separator plates 42 arranged substantially vertically and each having a steel mounting block 44 on each end thereof with an opening 46 through which the frame member 14 passes. Set screws 48 threaded into the mounting block 44 are tightened'to hold the separators 40 in place and may be loosened selectively to move the separators from one position to another to adjust the width therebetween according to the width of the strips being fed. Approximately the width between the separators would be the approximate width of the strip to be fed into that passage between two other separator plates 42 plus a small amount for the thickness of the plates 42.

The ends of the strips being fed are received and moved in position by means of a pressure arrangement designated generally by reference numeral 50 and comprising pusher member 52 which is an arm made from steel stock supported on the opposed side frame members 14 by means of blocks 54 having openings 56 through which members 14 pass as blocks 54 slide thereon. A double acting air valve assembly 60 is mounted on a slide block 62 which comprises a pair of plates fittedtogether over member 14 to slide thereon. The air valve assembly 60 comprises a double acting air valve 64 having an inlet on one side at fitting 66 and an inlet on the other side and fitting 68- each connected respectively by a hose 72 to an air line 74 extending along one side of the machine and being connected in the plant or other location to a source of air under pressure. An adjustable brace 78 with adjustment holes 80 is attached by screw 82 to the slide block 62 and is attached to the block 64. The piston rod 86 of the air assembly 60 is connected by a bifurcated connector 88 through a pin 92 to block 54 so that when the input air valve on one side of the air assembly 60 at 66 is opened and compressed air is admitted, then the rod 86 extends driving block 54 for a limited distance substantially shown in FIGS and when the direction of air is reversed through the fitting 68 and the pressure relieved through fitting 66 then the rod 86 is driven back to initial position pulling block 54 back to its substantial initial position and this action is repeated constantly as long as the air valves are operated which imparts a reciprocating motion to block 54 on both sides of the machine on members 14 which imparts a reciprocating motion to member 52. At spaced intervals on member 52, movably attached on slide blocks 94 is a pusher bar assembly 96 which is adjustable transversely on the machine by moving block 94 which has an opening 98 therein through which member 52 passes. Each pusher bar assembly 96 comprises a back-up plate 100 of a strip of steel, cast iron or the like having a bent receiver plate 102 on the front thereof attached by bolt 104. Receiver plate 102 is made from tire carcass or the like and is bendable under pressure and cushions the shock of receiving the edge of a steel strip. The timing and syncronization of the pusher assemblies 96 is such as to bring the receiver plate 102 to meet and engage a strip which is being fed between two of the separators 42 and to push said strip forwardly into proper alignment in the stack. Member 52 and the assembly of pusher bar assemblies 96 is braced from the top by means of a brace member 108 attached to a center support 110 and fastened at each end to a respective block 54. The movement of the pusher bar assembly 96 on member 52 is longitudinal of the machine but in the limited cross movement. The air cylinder arrangement 60 and respective air line 70, 72 are connected into the-air line (not shown) or the air valve control arrangement (not shown) from the slitting machine 28. This is a simple matter of leading the air line feeding 74 into the pressure side of the air control switch for the slitting machine 28 so that air pressure is delivered to the air cylinder arrangement 60 to receive the individual strips. Adjustments may be made in the air cylinders which are ordinary items of commerce as well as adjusting the throw of the rod 86 and also the brace 78.

Referring to FIG. 2, it is seen that a typical strip of metal 114 is being delivered to a passageway or channel formed between two of the separator members 42 on to a stack 116 of the strips 114. A second stack of plates 116 is on the other side between the next two adjacent separator members 42. As plate 114 moves substantially in a straight line into the passageway, the pusher bar assembly 102 moves into position driven on member 52 to contact the edge of'plate 114 and after it has moved the selected desired distance in the passageway it is pushed back into alignment on stack 116. Stack 116 is on the top of a lift table designated generally by reference numeral 120 which is a large heavy table 120 supported on a scissors frame 122 on each side on a large heavy base 124 mounted on wheels 126. The scissors frames 122 are driven by some power-mechanism such as hydraulic cylinders, air cylinders, screw-thread devices or some other well known mechanism common in lift table art which does not-per se form a part of this invention. The power mechanism of table 120 may be controlled electrically or hydraulically and in the I present use disclosed herein the table is controlled electrically by means of suitable solenoid controls connected to the power mechanism of the table and connected electrically to a switch control assembly designated generally by reference numeral and comprising a switch housing or casing 132 shown larger in FIG. 7 and 8 and mounted on one of the corner connector blocks 16. Switch 132 has a switch actuator arm 134 which is actuated by a plunger member 136 extending through a plate 138 mounted on the block 16 through an openingl40 therein and the plunger 136 is contacted by a spring by contact plate 142 which in turn is contacted by'one of the top strips of a stack 1 16 depending upon the setting desired. Additionally, the table 120 is lifted to its maximum height to receive the first strips 114 to the stacks 116 and as the stacks build-up in height, the switch plate 142 is contacted by the stack and lowers the table 120 a pre-set amount. Switch 132 is a delayed action switch which is common in the electrical switch art and operates with any pre-set delay of anywhere from a second to several seconds or more from the'time it opens until it closes. In the present instance, switch- 132 is closed or actuated by plate 142 contacted by stack 116, and the switch 132 closes the circuit to the drive mechanism of table 120 for whatever period is desired depending upon what amount of lowering is preferred each time. A smooth operation can be obtained by lowering the stack constantly during the operation in small amounts such as V4 of an inch each time as the stack builds up a small amount. In this instance, it may not even be necessary to use a delayed action switch but only a simple open and close switch arrangement each time the stack is lowered. Of course, the more the stack is lowered each time the greater distance the strips have to fall until the stack builds up and there is more drop and more problems from this standpoint than would occur if the stack is lowered almost constantly as the strips are fed. I

While I have shown and described a particular embodiment of my invention together with a suggested operation and parts, and while I have suggested some items by name, this is by way of illustration only and does not establish any limitation on the invention, since various alterations, changes, modification, substitutions, eliminations, omissions, ramifictions,, departures, and variations may be made in the embodiment shown herein without departing from the scopeof my invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a stacking machine for use with the means such as a slitting machine continuously feeding individual heavy plates, such as smaller steel plates cut from a large steel plate, and stacking said plates one on top of the other in separate sideby-side stacks on a power driven lift table which may be lowered:

a. a stacking machine frame,

b. normally stationary stack separating members in spaced relation across said stacking machine frame defining respective open passageways above the surface on which respective stacks are formed by said plates fed one at a time between and through respective spacing members onto a stack, 7

c. means on said stacking machine frame engaging each plate as it is delivered and positioning said plate in the stack between the respective opposed, spaced separating members,

. said means in c including an assembly of plate engagement members each respectively engaging the respective plate being fed to the respective stack to absorb forces and to oppose the movement of and assist in aligning same, a power driven lift table having a stacking surface, actuating means on said stacking machine actuated by the stack to control the movement of said lift table and said actuating means being automatically actuated by said stack as the stack builds to a selected position, thereby lowering said table as said stack becomes higher according to a pre-selected distance,

g. said stacking machine frame including upper and lower frame members forming a three-dimensional quadrilateral frame, ground engaging means on said stacking machine frame for moving same,

h. one side of said stacking machine frame being at least partly open sufficiently to permit said lift table to pass clear of said frame as said frame is positioned on or removed from said lift table, said lift table and said stacking machine frame being movable relative to each other through said partly open stacking machine frame so that said stack of plates may be readily removed such as by lift truck.

2. In a stacking machine for use with the means such as a slitting machine continuously feeding individual heavy plates, such as smaller steel plates slit from a large steel plate, and stacking said plates one on top of the other in separate sideby-side stacks on a surface of a lift table which may be lowered:

a. a stacking machine frame,

b. stack separating members on said stacking machine frame,

c. and means on said stacking machine frame engaging each plate as it is delivered and positioning said plate in the stack between opposed, spaced separating members, said machine including upper and lower frame members forming a three-dimensional quadrilateral frame,

d. ground engaging means on said stacking machine frame for moving same,

e. one side of said stacking machine frame being at least partly open sufficiently to permit said lift table to pass clear of said frame as said frame is positioned on it or removed from said lift table, said table and said stacking machine frame being movable relative to each other through said partly open frame so that said stack of plates may be readily removed as by lift truck,

. said stack separating member being an elongated metal plate supported on opposed frame members and extending longitudinally of said stacking machine frame above said table surface and on the upper part of said stacking machine frame,

g. said assembly of stack engagement means being mounted on a support transversely of said stacking machine frame and said support being over and across the top of said stack separating members placing said stack enga ement members between ad acent stack separating mem rs of respective stacks.

3. The machine in claim 1: the stack separating members having respective edges adjustable with respect to the travel of the plates and said plates engaging the edges at times when necessary for support or alignment.

4. In a stacking machine for use with a heavy sheet slitting and delivery means, such as a slitting machine, continuously feeding individual heavy plates such as smaller steel plates slit from a large steel plate and stacking said plates one on top of the other in separate side-by-side stacks on a surface of a conventional electric or hydraulic lift table which may be lowered:

a. a stacking machine frame,

b. normally stationary stack separating members in spaced relation across said stacking machine frame defining respective open passageways above the surface on which respective stacks are formed by said plates fed one at a time between and through respective spacing members onto a stack,

c. and means on said stacking machine frame engaging each plate as it is delivered and positioning said plate in the stack between the respective opposed, spaced separating members,

d. said means in c including an assembly of engagement members each respectively engaging the respective plate being fed to the respective stack to oppose the movement of and assist in aligning same,

e. said assembly of engagement members being moved in the direction toward the travel of the plates into the stacking machine frame for limited travel in that direction and then said assembly is moved in the opposite direction after the plate is positioned in the stack,

' f. said assembly being mounted transversely across said stacking machine frame on a common support,

g. power drive means for driving said support in said direction, means for actuating said power drive means, and control means for said power drive means actuated in timed synchronization with said delivery of said strips.

5. The device in claim 4: wherein said assembly of plate engagement members is moved toward said steel plates as said plates are being delivered to meet the movement of said plates.

6. The machine claimed in claim 4, wherein: said stack separating members each have an edge thereon extending longitudinally of said stacking machine frame and the edge of each stack separating member initially receiving the plate delivered from the continuous strip delivery means and guiding the plate along the edge of the stack separating member into position between respective stack separating members.

7. The device claimed in claim 6, wherein:

said stack separating members are selectively adjustable transversely of said machine to set the distance therebetween according to the size of plates to be delivered.

8. The device claimed in claim 7, wherein: the engagement members in said assembly each includes a depending member that engages said plate. a

9. The device claimed in claim 4, wherein the stack engagement means in said assembly of engagement members each includes a common support having a depending member attached thereto.

* i i I 

1. In a stacking machine for use with the means such as a slitting machine continuously feeding individual heavy plates, such as smaller steel plates cut from a large steel plate, and stacking said plates one on top of the other in separate side-byside stacks on a power driven lift table which may be lowered: a. a stacking machine frame, b. normally stationary stack separating members in spaced relation across said stacking machine frame defining respective open passageways above the surface on which respective stacks are formed by said plates fed one at a time between and through respective spacing members onto a stack, c. means on said stacking machine frame engaging each plate as it is delivered and positioning said plate in the stack between the respective opposed, spaced separating members, d. said means in ''''c'''' including an assembly of plate engagement members each respectively engaging the respective plate being fed to the respective stack to absorb forces and to oppose the movement of and assist in aligning same, e. a power driven lift table having a stacking surface, f. actuating means on said stacking machine actuated by the stack to control the movement of said lift table and said actuating means being automatically actuated by said stack as the stack builds to a selected position, thereby lowering said table as said stack becomes higher according to a pre-selected distance, g. said stacking machine frame including upper and lower frame members forming a three-dimensional quadrilateral frame, ground engaging means on saiD stacking machine frame for moving same, h. one side of said stacking machine frame being at least partly open sufficiently to permit said lift table to pass clear of said frame as said frame is positioned on or removed from said lift table, said lift table and said stacking machine frame being movable relative to each other through said partly open stacking machine frame so that said stack of plates may be readily removed such as by lift truck.
 2. In a stacking machine for use with the means such as a slitting machine continuously feeding individual heavy plates, such as smaller steel plates slit from a large steel plate, and stacking said plates one on top of the other in separate side-by-side stacks on a surface of a lift table which may be lowered: a. a stacking machine frame, b. stack separating members on said stacking machine frame, c. and means on said stacking machine frame engaging each plate as it is delivered and positioning said plate in the stack between opposed, spaced separating members, said machine including upper and lower frame members forming a three-dimensional quadrilateral frame, d. ground engaging means on said stacking machine frame for moving same, e. one side of said stacking machine frame being at least partly open sufficiently to permit said lift table to pass clear of said frame as said frame is positioned on it or removed from said lift table, said table and said stacking machine frame being movable relative to each other through said partly open frame so that said stack of plates may be readily removed as by lift truck, f. said stack separating member being an elongated metal plate supported on opposed frame members and extending longitudinally of said stacking machine frame above said table surface and on the upper part of said stacking machine frame, g. said assembly of stack engagement means being mounted on a support transversely of said stacking machine frame and said support being over and across the top of said stack separating members placing said stack engagement members between adjacent stack separating members of respective stacks.
 3. The machine in claim 1: the stack separating members having respective edges adjustable with respect to the travel of the plates and said plates engaging the edges at times when necessary for support or alignment.
 4. In a stacking machine for use with a heavy sheet slitting and delivery means, such as a slitting machine, continuously feeding individual heavy plates such as smaller steel plates slit from a large steel plate and stacking said plates one on top of the other in separate side-by-side stacks on a surface of a conventional electric or hydraulic lift table which may be lowered: a. a stacking machine frame, b. normally stationary stack separating members in spaced relation across said stacking machine frame defining respective open passageways above the surface on which respective stacks are formed by said plates fed one at a time between and through respective spacing members onto a stack, c. and means on said stacking machine frame engaging each plate as it is delivered and positioning said plate in the stack between the respective opposed, spaced separating members, d. said means in ''''c'''' including an assembly of engagement members each respectively engaging the respective plate being fed to the respective stack to oppose the movement of and assist in aligning same, e. said assembly of engagement members being moved in the direction toward the travel of the plates into the stacking machine frame for limited travel in that direction and then said assembly is moved in the opposite direction after the plate is positioned in the stack, f. said assembly being mounted transversely across said stacking machine frame on a common support, g. power drive means for driving said support in said direction, means for actuating said power drive means, and control means for said power drive means actuated in timed synchroniZation with said delivery of said strips.
 5. The device in claim 4: wherein said assembly of plate engagement members is moved toward said steel plates as said plates are being delivered to meet the movement of said plates.
 6. The machine claimed in claim 4, wherein: said stack separating members each have an edge thereon extending longitudinally of said stacking machine frame and the edge of each stack separating member initially receiving the plate delivered from the continuous strip delivery means and guiding the plate along the edge of the stack separating member into position between respective stack separating members.
 7. The device claimed in claim 6, wherein: said stack separating members are selectively adjustable transversely of said machine to set the distance therebetween according to the size of plates to be delivered.
 8. The device claimed in claim 7, wherein: the engagement members in said assembly each includes a depending member that engages said plate.
 9. The device claimed in claim 4, wherein the stack engagement means in said assembly of engagement members each includes a common support having a depending member attached thereto. 